Youth Hostel Pinesta

The location is the one good thing: you can get up in the morning and head straight to the sea. But the room we paid extra for as “renovated” had damp all over it, so we asked to move. We compared it with a room that hadn’t been renovated and couldn’t see any difference. You end up paying more for the same thing.

Beyond being an affordable place to stay, this felt like a retreat in one of the coast’s most wonderful spots. It’s also a place for young people with special needs, and the people there felt genuine and real. The kids were so friendly. I only wish I could have put my knowledge to use for their needs instead of serving the corporate sea of recycled ideas. There was real substance here. It’s not for the typical tourist or for people simply looking to escape social condemnation. You might find yourself here, or feel inspired by the purpose others have found. Thank you, Robert, for having us.

The beach is a real gem, with striking flat stone areas and lots of shade from the pine trees. The hostel itself is basic, but the rooms are clean and spacious. Staff are helpful and easygoing.

If you’re into post-Soviet camps, this may be the place for you. Otherwise, I’d avoid it. The rooms were dirty, with old furniture, and the shower stalls were dirty and damaged. There was no free socket in the washing room and only one in our room, and the shared fridge had no space left. The Wi-Fi only worked a couple of meters from reception, and hot water in the evening felt like a miracle. There’s no sound insulation: doors slam, neighbors are noisy, people talk drunkenly behind the wall and under the window until midnight, children scream, and cigarette smoke comes in from 5 am. After 16:00, kitchen smells reached our room.